These were hunters — and the shark below, scarred and wounded, had been their quarry. Aaron’s voice trembled. “Marcus…” He swallowed, then whispered just loud enough for him to hear. “They’re coming.” For a moment Marcus didn’t understand. Then it clicked. The coast guard. Aaron must have already radioed them. Relief mingled with dread.
They only had to endure until help arrived. Marcus raised his hands slowly, surrendering. The pirates snarled orders, stripping them of gear piece by piece. One kept guard with the harpoon gun trained loosely on them, while the other leaned over the gunwale, ready to dive for the stunned fish that floated up in clusters.